Search Results for keywords:"regulatory actions"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed a final risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for formaldehyde, finding that it poses an unreasonable risk to human health. This risk includes both non-cancer effects from short-term skin and inhalation exposure and cancer risks from long-term inhalation exposure. The EPA is required to initiate risk management actions to address these risks. The decision was made based on comprehensive scientific studies and evaluations.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking for industry input about the growth, harvesting, processing, and distribution of poppy seeds, specifically focusing on practices that minimize their opiate alkaloid content. This request for information is due to reports of health issues linked to poppy seed products, including cases where homemade "poppy seed tea" has been connected to serious harm and deaths. The FDA seeks to understand current practices and consider possible future actions to ensure that poppy seed products are safe for consumption. Public comments on this matter are invited until April 15, 2025, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or via written submissions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is sharing information about hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) production and use in the U.S. from 2011 to 2013. This data is part of preparations for new rules under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020, which aims to gradually reduce HFC production. The public is encouraged to comment on the current data, which may have gaps, as this feedback will help the EPA improve its information. Comments should be submitted by February 25, 2021, through specified methods.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a final rule that changes air navigation routes in Alaska. Specifically, the FAA is amending RNAV Route Q-8 and revoking RNAV Route Q-18 to solve issues with automated flight plans. The new changes will help ensure the safe and efficient flow of air traffic. This update is considered a regular adjustment with minimal environmental or economic impact and is classified under existing rules for modifying airspace routes.

In Executive Order 14215, the President emphasizes the need for accountability and oversight of all federal agencies, including independent regulatory agencies. The order mandates that these agencies must submit significant regulatory actions for review by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to ensure consistency with Presidential policies. It also establishes performance standards and requires agency heads to consult regularly with White House offices. Additionally, the order clarifies that only the President and the Attorney General can provide official interpretations of the law for executive branch employees.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is asking for public comments about proposed information requests aimed at large Single-Family Rental (SFR) owner operators, known as mega investors, who own over 1,000 rental properties. These requests are intended to help the FTC study the impact of such large investors on housing competition, prices, and their influence on local markets. The FTC plans to gather data about these companies' business models, property holdings, and pricing strategies, with the goal of increasing market transparency and possibly informing future regulatory actions. Public comments will be considered before the FTC requests approval from the Office of Management and Budget to proceed with this data collection.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced that it will not move forward with a proposed rule titled "Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing" that was published on February 9, 2023. This rule was intended to reestablish a planning process and enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with fair housing requirements. Instead, HUD has decided to withdraw this rule, meaning it will not become law, and it will be removed from the agency's Spring 2025 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. If HUD chooses to address this issue in the future, it will propose new rules following the standard regulatory procedures.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a final rule to improve transparency in its significant regulatory and scientific actions. The rule emphasizes the importance of making dose-response data publicly accessible for independent validation, which refers to reanalyzing data to confirm study results. While the rule encourages using studies with available data, it also allows for exceptions in specific cases, like when data privacy laws restrict sharing. This effort aims to enhance public trust in the EPA's decisions by promoting openness and scientific scrutiny.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has decided not to move forward with a proposed rule from April 2024, called "Reducing Barriers to HUD-Assisted Housing." This rule aimed to change regulations concerning applicants with criminal records or a history with the justice system for HUD housing programs. HUD will formally remove this proposal from their Spring 2025 plan and does not plan to issue a final rule on it. If HUD considers similar regulations in the future, they will issue a new proposed rule, complying with legal requirements.